Putting Autism in Perspective.

Yesterday, I attended the funeral for a young man Buddy’s age. I didn’t know the boy, but I know his mom.  As I sat there, pictures of his life scrolled on a screen.  I saw him go from an infant to a grown man in 10 minutes time.

As I watched this vibrant boy grow into a man, full of life and smiles, people were sharing about his love of surfing, fishing and hunting, as well as his joyful, loving demeanor.

At first I was thinking about this young man being my son’s age and having such a full, active life.  As I realized that I was feeling sorry for myself, I switched gears, and focused on this boys mother.  What a horrible feeling it must be to be saying a final goodbye to your child.

After the funeral, I was very sad for the rest of the day, trying not to think about how I would feel in this other mother’s situation.  And then it occurred to me,  Buddy will never surf, fish or hunt…but he will also never suffer from depression, suffer addictions, or commit suicide.  I am the lucky one here…my son just has autism.

~ASM

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